Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: Is That Invitation Still Open?

With Raymond out of the way and my name restored, I left the pack courtyard and the trial and ran straight to the packhouse to check on Warren.

“Ciana, you’ re okay,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Slow down. Thank you again for coming back for me.’

“No, Warren, I should be thanking you. You helped me so much. I’m sorry that you went through all of that. I don’t know what I can do to repay you,” I blurted out, squeezing his hand.

“Silly girl! We’ re friends, right? That’s what we do. You have no idea how worried I was about you. When you fainted and they took you away…” Warren ‘s face wrinkled at the bad memory. “Thank the Goddess you are unharmed.”

He opened his arms like he was going to hug me.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I saw Theo, or Tallis as he was still pretending to be, standing against the nearest packhouse wall. He was glaring at Warren.

Theo?” Warren asked.

“I’m not Theo!” he hissed moodily. “My name is Tallis.”

“Oh…” Warren stared at him for a moment, and murmured to himself, “Sorry, you remind me of my brother. I mean, you look different, but just…’

I jumped in, “Warren, believe me, I was confused at first too. But this is Tallis. He’s Nelson’s brother. Nelson is the car-

nival director,” I said, covering for Theo. I figured he probably had a good reason to keep his identity a secret, even from his own brother.

“Hmm. Well, you are dressed like you work with Nelson,” Warren said with a chuckle. He turned back to me, looking at me with deep, emotional eyes.

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I don’t think Prince Theo would ever wear colors like that,” I said, giggling and giving Theo a challenging look.

Theo snorted and looked away from me.

“I heard my name,” Nelson arrived with a concerned look on his face. “Geez, Tallis, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. They told me you’re at the packhouse. The carnival is packed up. Are you ready to go or what?”

“I’m ready,” Theo said stiffly.

“Great. Well, say your goodbyes and let’s get going. We’re all waiting on you,” Nelson said. He clapped his hands to hurry Theo along.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, seeing the dark, dangerous look in Theo’s eyes. If Nelson wasn’t careful, he’d end up dealing with the Dark Prince.

Theo glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a final nod and left after Nelson. It was already getting late and if he hung around too long, it would seem suspicious. Especially if he kept hanging around me.

“Warren, how are you feeling?” I asked, turning back to Warren.

He still looked a little pale and dirty. I hoped after a nice shower and some fresh clothes, he’d look and feel better,

Warren sniffled and rubbed his head.

“Honestly, I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or I just need good food,” he admitted.

Warren and I headed back to my parents’ house. As we went, he started sniffling more and rubbing his temples. He was definitely sick.

a good night’s sleep and some hot food. I’ll make sure to get you a good dinner. I’m just going to run out for a few minutes. Try

Warren murmured, his eyes

I figured that Theo would want to know and maybe would send Warren back to the palace. I hurried

trash. Sighing, I kicked at an old can. I wondered where they were going next and how long it would be before I’d see

asleep when I got

and water. It would be

was happy

8B. That Sol’

in the pack cemetery. Her death had been avenged, but I still missed her and

on

able to express how sorry I am that you were killed because of me. Raymond is gone, though, and I think he

Warren said, coming

pulled my hand from the grave and looked at him. “I just wanted to give her an update about what’s

are going well, then?”

look quite energetic. Feeling 100% now?” I asked, addressing the

color had returned to his cheeks and he was

That breakfast you made me this morning was fantastic. Who needs medicine

chuckled and shook my head. No one had ever praised my cooking before. I

help or ganize

ISThai

nice day with warm morning sun shining

left to cause problems. I keep going to

glad your pack is do ing better. It makes me feel better about asking,” he said,

“Asking what?”

What could Warren want to

threat. I wanted to know if you’d visit her pack with me,” he said,

right. Am I keeping you from visiting your sister?” I

Warren said, touching my arm. “I’m glad I took time to recover from being held prisoner. So, do you

bit my lower lip in

the alpha of

many years ago with my parents, and) r membered liking the territory

you say?” Warren

have settled in the pack,

I went with him, he might think I had feelings for him, too. I didn’t want to give Warren the wrong message. It

territory at the moment. My pack was still vulnerable and I didn’t want to leave and allow someone

sounds like a really fun trip, but Warren, I should really stay here until my parents get back. Alvar needs strong leadership

fell and I could see he was disappointed. He took my hand

said,

to my parents’ house to pack and I headed to the courtyard to see if Frederic or Murray needed me for anything. I was impressed with how well they were handling things,

gone… so sad,” I

88′ That Open?

of the carnival, my ears

so handsome. I would have

you’re so bad. They didn’t